HIBAPRESS – Misbah Ahmed
To strengthen Euro-Mediterranean ties, the "Rovira i Virgili" University in the Spanish city of "Tarragona" recently hosted a meeting with the aim of establishing the first chair for studies on Morocco, on the initiative of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Morocco in "Tarragona", and in the presence of the Consul General of the Kingdom of Morocco, the diplomatic framework Mrs. (Ikram Shaheen), and with the support of the Tarragona Port Authority, and the Qasid Foundation for Training, represented by its president, Mr. Mohammed Qasid.
Following this meeting, the official signing of the agreement that enables the establishment of this chair took place, in a fundamental institutional step that consolidates the commitment of all the concerned bodies to enhance academic cooperation between the Catalan university and the Kingdom of Morocco. This chair, which belongs to the Department of History, is a pioneering initiative at both the Catalan and Spanish levels; as it aims to promote knowledge, dialogue, and the exchange of experiences between Catalonia and the Kingdom of Morocco, based on a long history of interactions, mutual influences, and common relations. This desired scientific chair also aspires to make it an academic, institutional, and societal reference, and a platform for producing knowledge and generating new visions about contemporary Morocco, as well as about the relations that bring Morocco together with Catalonia in various political, social, cultural, and economic fields. The activities of the chair revolve around three main areas: • Multidisciplinary scientific research; • Education and training; • Knowledge transfer and community service. This, and the chair that was established at the "Rovira i Virgili" University, in the Spanish city of "Tarragona", will pay special attention to the Moroccan community residing in Catalonia, by strengthening its presence and contribution to building a more just, inclusive, and culturally diverse society. As this chair seeks to overcome stereotypes and simplistic perceptions about Morocco, and to create spaces for knowledge and dialogue, that contribute to building more balanced narratives and respect for the other. This chair also aspires, in light of the major political and social transformations that the Euro-Mediterranean space is experiencing, to play a pivotal role in promoting intercultural dialogue and advancing international cooperation relations. In addition to that, members of the Moroccan community valued the efforts of the Consul General, Mrs. (Ikram Shaheen), whose efforts and brilliant successes in diplomatic work, and her high competencies, good management and administration, and the ability to open up and communicate with the Moroccan community are praised by everyone on this occasion. On the occasion (Ikram Shaheen), daughter of the city of Taounat, is considered the youngest Consul General, a model for the diligent Moroccan youth, who has held several diplomatic positions, and has dedicated, through her contributions in many meetings, a policy of proximity to the Moroccan citizen.
